Tag Archives: mugger

Cops are looking for a Queens purse snatcher who grabs his victims using a bear hug and threatens to cut them, according to police.

The suspect first targeted a woman about 12:30 a.m. on Feb. 11 as she was walking on Lefferts Boulevard near Metropolitan Avenue, the NYPD said. After approaching the woman, the suspect pushed her up against a fence, then displayed a box cutter and took her purse. He then fled on foot.

A day later, just before midnight, the suspect exited a dark colored four door sedan and grabbed a woman in a bear hug as she was walking along Continental Avenue near Dartmouth Street, according to police. He then threatened to cut the victim, though no knife was displayed, and stole her purse. The suspect took off in the car.

On Feb. 19, the suspect again grabbed a woman in a bear hug as she was walking down Austin Street near 71st Road about 1:45 a.m., cops said. He pressed an unknown sharp object against the victim’s hand and took her purse. The suspect then fled in a dark colored four door sedan.

Anyone with information is asked to call Crime Stoppers at (800) 577-TIPS (8477). The public can also submit their tips by logging onto the Crime Stoppers website or can text their tips to CRIMES (274637), then enter TIP577. All calls are strictly confidential.